Meet the Namib: the oldest desert in the world; Damaraland: where the largest freeroaming population of black rhino resides; Cape Cross: a bewildering cacophony of Cape fur seals; Etosha: a blinding whiteness that is home to a surprising variety of wildlife. This is an all-encompassing safari that explores the spirit of this wide-open land.
Days 1 & 2
Andersson’s Camp, Etosha Region
Transfer by comfortable charter flight to Namibia’s big game country: Etosha and its environs. Here, the diverse flora and fauna is experienced in a variety of activities, from game walks to game drives and visits to hides both on the property and in the famous Etosha National Park. Andersson’s Camp is surrounded by plains teeming with wildlife and situated close to Etosha. (Day 1D; Day 2 B,L,D)
Day 3
Palmwag Lodge, Palmwag Concession
After an early breakfast, we travel to the Palmwag concession. Here, on the concession and in the surrounding areas the desert adapted elephant and elusive black rhino can be found. Over the course of the next four nights in the enormous wilderness areas of Damaraland and Palmwag our guides expose the sheer magnificence of nature’s survival strategies in this arid environment, through walks, tracking and game drives concentrating on a variety of topics from birds to insects, medicinal uses of plants and viewing wildlife. (B,L,D)
Days 4 & 5
Hoanib Camp, Kaokoland
With an early start, our journey continues by road towards the ephemeral river of the Hoanib Valley. Please note that this is a long nature transfer, giving guests a unique opportunity to see some of the most rugged and “hard to get to” areas within Namibia’s remote North West. Here, in an area seemingly parched and desolate, we enter one of Namibia’s richest desert wildlife areas. Our Discoverer-styled tented camp close to the Hoanib River is a relaxed haven from which we explore this wild land on foot, or from the comfort of one of our safari vehicles. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Damaraland Camp, Damaraland
Departing early, we travel east to Sesfontein and we end this road journey at the awardwinning Damaraland Camp. Damaraland Camp is situated on the northern face of the Huab River valley and looking south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountain. Although wildlife is not concentrated, we are situated where the rare desertadapted elephant roams, alongside gemsbok (oryx), springbok, Ostrich and other hardy desert animals. Rare succulent plants eke out an existence in this harsh countryside. (B,L,D)
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Day 7
The Stiltz Lodge, Swakopmund
After an early breakfast, we travel to Twyfelfontein where we take a guided walk with local Damara guides to view the San petroglyphs - prehistoric rock etchings, strewn over the rock face. After lunch we continue our journey travelling south via Uis en route to Swakopmund. Closer to the coast there are lichen fields strewn over the gravel plains, one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. After a packed lunch en route, we make for The Stiltz Lodge in the quaint, charming town of Swakopmund, arriving in the late afternoon. Swakopmund, with its unique urban atmosphere that is a vibrant combination of Africa and Europe, is a wonderful town in which to end a safari after the experiences of the northern Namibian bush. (B,L,D)
Days 8 & 9
Kulala Adventurer Camp, Sossusvlei
After an early breakfast, we drive southwards to Walvis Bay Lagoon. Here in a protected bay, many flamingos, pelicans and other waterbirds amass. On the calm waters of the bay, we experience sea kayaking, a spectacular activity that allows us to approach seals, dolphins and birds at a respectable distance and in their habitat, allowing for some unique photographic opportunities. Afterwards, we drive inland to the Kulala Adventurer Camp in our private Sossusvlei concession. Here we enjoy access to the Sossusvlei dunes, for walks in the immense moving sands of the Namib, game drives on our concession and stargazing. Photography in the early morning of the dunes is particularly stunning with rich reds and dark shadows completing the extraordinary vista that is the enormity of the Namib Desert. (B,L,D)
Day 10
Transfer to Windhoek After breakfast we transfer by road, including lunch overlooking the view of the plains nearby, to Windhoek and bid farewell to the adventure. (B) |